Let's start at the very beginning...

July  19, 2016

Let's start at the very beginning; because it is (as Julie Andrews sings) a very good place to start.  Today, I began traveling to Malawi - my first-ever trip to Africa.   I have been trying to prepare my heart and my head for this trip for 6 short weeks.  But, I have been wishing for it since I was 6 years old.  As a small child, I remember listening carefully to a missionary that had come to talk to our little rural congregation - her story was fascinating, like something out of a book. And, it made me long for my own story.  She did a great job capturing my heart.  

Well, to be fair, I suppose I should give God a little credit too.   I know in that shared story, our missionary friend talked about her gifts and following God's call to ministry.  But, I also know that, as a missionary, she had been filled and guided by the Spirit.   She took a great big leap of faith and followed Christ's command to "go and make disciples of all nations..."  She put aside any anxiety, fear, and doubt, and had faith in her own gifts for ministry.  I pray that I can do the same - to listen that closely the Spirit - not just on this trip, but in every aspect of my life. 

As my colleagues and I sat through a lengthy delay at Washington Dulles airport today, giving me LOTS of time to think (and nap a little!), I tried to imagine what this experience in Malawi would be like.  Nearly everything about it will be brand new for me - the climate, the long flights, the people, the culture, the food, the famine, teaching Malawian pastors, being away from my family, exploring new terrain, remembering to ask for the "toilet" instead of the "restroom"......it will all be new.  

And yet, I have no fear about it - or at the very least, my fear is heavily overshadowed by the promise that God is present. (It also helps that my friends on this trip know what the heck they're doing!)  And, I am a little embarrassed to admit that my fearless inner six-year-old came out when we finally took off from DC and I excitedly pressed my nose to the window so I could watch our huge Airbus 340 take off for Africa.  As we lifted off, I fondly through of our missionary story-teller, and I wondered if she had felt the same way.

Through the next 24 hours of travel and beyond, there will certainly be more beginnings to experience - I invite you to stay tuned :)

My prayer for today is two-fold: for those who work in the travel industry and whose jobs have become twice as difficult in the last 15 years, Lord, have mercy; and for those who will undoubtedly be profiled when then enter an airport, that we might find ways to treat one another with dignity, kindness, and love before ALL else, we pray.  Amen.

See you in Africa!